Syria Archives

Turmoil in West Asia: The Sectarian Divide Shapes Regional Competitions

Five years after the Arab Spring, West Asia is witnessing two major military conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Several states are deeply polarised and at the edge of breakdown, and there is proliferation of jihadis across the region, engaged in extraordinary brutality against enemy states and “heretic” communities.

The Islamist Challenge in West Asia: Doctrinal and Political Competitions After the Arab Spring

Publisher: Pentagon Press
2013

Following the Arab Spring, the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region is witnessing interactions between the various strands of Islamism-Wahhabiya in Saudi Arabia; the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and its affiliates in other Arab countries, and the radical strand represented by Al Qaeda and its associated organisations - in an environment of robust competition and even conflict. This work examines these issues in some details. It provides an overview of the political aspects of Islamic law – the Sharia, as it evolved from early Islam and, over the last two hundred years, experienced the impact of Western colonialism. This book draws on a rich variety of source material which has been embellished by the author’s extensive diplomatic experience in the Arab world over three decades.

ISBN 978-81-8274-737-1,
Price: ₹. 695/-
E-copy available

Arab Spring and Sectarian Faultlines in West Asia: Bahrain, Yemen and Syria

Publisher: Pentagon Press
2017

Since the outbreak of the Arab unrest, sectarian politics has become more pronounced throughout the West Asian region which is reflected in the growing polarisation of society and politics on narrow sectarian lines. Rulers have adopted sectarian approaches as a measure to secure their regimes.

ISBN 978-93-86618-05-4,
Price: ₹ 795
E-copy available

Turkey Earthquake 2023: Reducing Risks in the Indian Context

India can reduce disaster risks by studying the experiences and best practices implemented by other disaster-prone countries.

Ravinder Singh
April 12, 2023
IDSA Comments

Threat of Radicalisation in Syria’s ISIS Prisons

Concerns of radicalisation in SDF-run facilities in Syria remain high, given that reports flag corruption, crime, and deplorable security conditions at these camps.

Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria

Abstract: Syria acquired the capability to produce chemical weapons in order to counter Israel’s chemical weapons program. It imported chemical weapon precursor and dual-use production equipment from other countries including Russia,… Continue reading Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria

Lakshmi Priya
July-December 2020
CBW Magazine

Civil War Complicates Fight Against COVID-19 in Syria

Syria’s fragile health care system on account of the continuing conflict hinders the country’s effort to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lakshmi Priya
April 13, 2020
IDSA Comments

Turkey Treads a Fine Line in Syria

In the light of Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from Syria, Ankara has adopted a cautious approach towards the Syrian Kurds and has decided to take Moscow’s concerns into account before making any move in northern Syria.

Astana Talks: A Prelude to Peace in Syria

The tangible results of the Astana process lie in the reduction in violence and functioning of de-escalation zones.

Lakshmi Priya
November 27, 2017
Backgrounder

Islamic State’s tryst with chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq

The sporadic and indiscriminate use of chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq’s conflict zones in the last five years by both State and non-state actors have posed a great challenge… Continue reading Islamic State’s tryst with chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq

Animesh Roul
July-December 2017
CBW Magazine